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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Installing taller shocks
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Message started by zipidachimp on 02/05/15 at 22:39:41

Title: Installing taller shocks
Post by zipidachimp on 02/05/15 at 22:39:41

I cut 12" struts to see how my bike would sit with taller shocks. When I lifted the rear up, the bike and wheel came up as a unit, making it really tough to slip on the struts. Does the wheel have to come off first? :(

just watched video on u-tube....should have jacked up the bike from below,.....live and learn!

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/06/15 at 07:53:21

Not enough information.
How Did you lift it?
Did you remove the shocks?
How would removing the wheel, making it lighter, pushing down less on the swing arm, make the swing arm drop farther?

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by Serowbot on 02/06/15 at 08:14:41

+1... the wheel don't hold it,... the shocks do...
...and you must support the frame securely before removing the shocks,.. else the rear end will drop onto the tire...

Securely... :o...

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by zipidachimp on 02/06/15 at 10:59:21

I used the 'armstrong' method: but when I lifted up the end, it wouldn't go past 11 7/8", had to tap the struts on. frustating! the rear wheel came up off the ground at that point.
I'll try it again with a jack under the engine/frame.
I do like the look with the end up. 8-)
Have to decide now on 12" or 13" shocks.

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by Dave on 02/06/15 at 11:06:23

Be aware - that when you start running longer shocks, you are going to have to leave the belt a bit looser than you used to. With the longer shocks the swing arm is angled down more, and when hitting bumps the swing arm will level out more and require more length on the belt. It doesn't need to be sloppy loose - but the 90 degree bending method of adjustment listed in this forum....with just a bit on the "looser" side than "tighter".

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by zipidachimp on 02/06/15 at 11:35:21

Thanks, Dave, luv your c/r! 8-)

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by engineer on 02/07/15 at 16:26:26

As you lower the rear swing arm also watch that the lower half of the belt doesn't hang up on the rear bolt head on the case or on the belt guard.

Title: Re: Installing taller shocks
Post by zipidachimp on 02/07/15 at 23:39:02

Ask me how I know! when I was lifing up the rear end to try the struts, I couldn't figure why the tire came up with the bike. Today I tried a jack under the bike and the tire still came up? took me ten minutes to find that the lower belt guard was digging into the flange on the front pulley. Jeez, what a pain. Had to drill out the screws holding the guard. Will definitely trim some metal.

In other news, DIME CITY has 12.5" shocks for $89.00 Anyone used these? Junk? 8-)